Housing, property and land

On this page you will find information about:

What is land amalgamation?
What is amalgamation of valuation assessments?
Getting land amalgamated
Getting valuation assessments amalgamated

What is land amalgamation?

Amalgamation of land is the process of combining one or more allotments of land together as the one allotment. This may reduce the rates and taxes you would pay as a single property valuation would be used, rather than a valuation for each individual allotment.  

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What is amalgamation of valuation assessments?

If you have two allotments of land adjacent to each other and using them as the one property you can amalgamate them into a single property valuation assessment without amalgamating the land. This would result in single accounts from the various rating authorities.

Make an application for the amalgamation of valuation assessments in writing to: State Valuation Office, GPO box 1354 Adelaide, SA, 5001. 

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Getting land amalgamated

A plan of amalgamation can only be done if:

• the land is contiguous, this means the allotments are next to each other and aren’t physically separated
• all land is in the same ownership - ownership and any registered estates or interests are the same
• the result is one allotment.

Development approval isn’t required when amalgamating allotments that are next to each other, unless it is a State heritage place, but a plan of amalgamation must be lodged with the Land Titles Office (LTO).

You should seek professional assistance from a Survey or Drafting Services firm. It's important to note that if amalgamation is pursued, a Plan of Division that includes planning approval will be required to divide the land in the future. 

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Getting valuation assessments amalgamated

Make a written application  for amalgamation of valuation assessments to the State Valuation Office. 

This does not amalgamate land because the legal definition of the land will not change.  The allotments remain separately saleable but are contained in one assessment for rating purposes.

As stated in section 16(1) of the Valuation of Land Act 1971. The Valuer-General may, in his or her discretion, make a separate valuation of any portion of any land or may value any land conjointly with other land.
 
Amalgamations of assessments are at the discretion of the Valuer-General.   An application for amalgamation will only be considered if:

• the land is contiguous - eg the allotments are next to each other and aren’t physically separated
• all land is in the same ownership - eg ownership and any registered estates or interests are the same.

All applications for amalgamation of valuation records must be in writing to the :

State Valuation Office
GPO box 1354
Adelaide SA 5001.

The following information should be provided:

• Valuation numbers
• Address of property and postal address, if different
• Contact phone numbers -eg business, home, mobile
• Lot numbers/Section numbers

The State Valuation will consider the application and notify you of the decision. If the assessments are to be amalgamated you will also be advised if this will take effect for the current or next financial year. 

For more information contact the State Valuation Office. 

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More information